Rosie Cooper MP calls for action on Redgate flooding concerns

19th December, 2017

West Lancashire MP Rosie Cooper is continuing her campaign to tackle flooding problems in the constituency, in this case supporting residents in Ormskirk in seeking action from responsible authorities.

Many residents of Redgate, Cottage Lane and surrounding areas in Ormskirk have expressed their anger, concerns and frustrations about inaction from Lancashire County Council in solving the local flooding issues.

Most recently, it has become apparent that quite a costly flood report carried out by Jacobs on behalf of LCC, was done so without the knowledge of a culvert running through the Redgate estate, and is still unclear where it connects with Hurlston Brook.

Rosie Cooper MP said:“I have had countless surgeries with affected residents from this area, met with the local flood group and invited many residents to the recent flood meeting to challenge the agencies directly in a public forum about the issues they are facing.

“What we have since uncovered, is that the much-lauded and high-cost taxpayer-funded flood report commissioned by Lancashire County Council and carried out by Jacobs, was undertaken without even some of the most basic of local knowledge.

“To try and predict waterflows and areas of high flood risk without acknowledging a half mile of culvert is not just disgraceful, it is completely irresponsible.

“Even worse, the agencies refused to accept the offer of local information, maps, photos and videos from residents, the Ormskirk ARRCCHS Flood Group and Knowsley Ward councillors, in favour of carrying out their desktop assessment.

“Lancashire County Council need to provide the right advice, support and where appropriate funding to residents to fix the problems.

“I have written to both Lancashire County Council and Jacobs seeking immediate clarification on this issue and asking what action will be taken to address this massive failing and reassure residents who are desperate not to experience devastating flooding again.

“Jacobs need to provide a full up to date comprehensive report which includes the Redgate culvert at no further cost to the council taxpayers”